Trailing by as many as 18 points early, the Wildcats (11-2, 0-1 Big 12) got 3-pointers from Jamar Samuels and Rodney McGruder in a 10-0 run and closed to 39-36. But Conner Teahan’s two 3-pointers triggered a rally by Kansas (11-3, 1-0) that included dunks by Robinson on consecutive possessions.

The Jayhawks went on to their 43rd victory over their state rivals in the last 46 meetings of the 272-game series.

Travis Releford had 16 points and Tyshawn Taylor had 13 as Kansas launched its campaign for an eighth straight Big 12 championship with its 21st straight conference-opening victory.

McGruder had 15 points and Samuels had 12 for Kansas State, which was only 5 for 20 from 3-point range.

The Jayhawks dominated the boards 50-26.

Kansas called time out after the Wildcats closed to 39-36 and 3-point specialist Teahan immediately connected from beyond the arc to make it 42-36, prompting a timeout by Kansas State coach Frank Martin. After McGruder’s basket, Teahen connected for a second 3-pointer.

Martavious Irving went to the line with a chance to slice the lead to five points but missed two free throws. Seven-footer Jeff Withey rebounded for the Jayhawks and slammed home a dunk on the other end.

After Will Spradling’s 3-pointer cut the lead to 47-41, Releford’s 3-pointer and Robinson’s dunk off a pass from Teahan triggered a window-rattling roar from the crowd and put the Jayhawks on top 52-41 with 7:53 to go.

Following a timeout, Robinson dunked again and then soared to the basket for a dunk off Taylor’s missed jumper.

Taylor’s uncontested layup capped the run and gave the Jayhawks a 56-41 lead.

The Jayhawks, fueled by Robinson’s six points off a putback and two medium-range jumpers, went on an 18-4 run in the opening minutes and took a 23-5 lead.

By the time Irving finally scored at the 8:12 mark of the half, the Wildcats had hit only three of 17 shots while Kansas was 10 for 19 and held an 18-6 rebounding edge en route to a 35-20 halftime lead.Robinson, with 10 rebounds and nine points, fell barely short of posting a double-double at halftime in two straight games. His 10 double-doubles lead the Big 12.

The Wildcats’ only nonconference loss was a double-overtime setback to West Virginia on a neutral court.

The Wildcats came in second in the nation averaging 28.8 free throw but were only eight of 16 from the line on Wednesday.